Short Summary

Settlement of the worst industrial strike to hit Denmark for nearly 40 years moved nearer on Wednesday (28 March) night when employers and union representatives declared support for a new industrial agreement, covering hours and wages.

Description

Settlement of the worst industrial strike to hit Denmark for nearly 40 years moved nearer on Wednesday (28 March) night when employers and union representatives declared support for a new industrial agreement, covering hours and wages.

The week-old strike, which has brought Danish industry to a virtual standstill, cannot end until the trade unions and employers' organisations have voted on the mediation proposals.

The settlement provides for a reduction in the working week to 40 hours form the current 41 3/4 hours by December, 1975, an equal minimum wage for women, and increases in the minimum age and cost of living compensation payments.

Earlier on Wednesday, farmers blocked traffic across the two bridges linking Jutland with Funen Island in protest at the delay by strikers of a ship carrying ammonia.

Four of the farmers were taken to hospital after a car accidentally drove into a line of demonstrators on new Littlebalt road bridge. Farmers used tractors to block the old Littlebalt bridge to road and rail traffic.

SYNOPSIS: Farmers in Denmark have been hit by the country's worst strike for almost 40 years. On Wednesday they hit back, blocking the two bridges which link Funen Island with mainland Jutland. They were protesting over the delay of a vital ammonia shipment, which the week-old strike had caused.

But unforseen trouble hit the demonstration on the new Littlebelt road bridge. A women motorist accidentally ran into the farmers. Four men were taken to hospital. Undaunted, the farmers reformed to continue their blockade. Settlement of the strike could come soon, with employers and trade unionists about to vote on a new industrial agreement, covering pay and hours.

The farmers used tractors to block the old Littlebelt bridge to rail and road traffic. The new industrial agreement could cut working hours, raise wages and cost-of-living payments, and give an equal minimum wage for Danish women.

Nearby, the ship which led to the trouble lay idle, with its cargo of ammonia still firmly aboard. Until the strike is settled, these tankers will have to wait empty beside the ship.